What Are the Steps to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Getting access to medical marijuana in the U.S. has become easier by the day. In only a few short years, medical marijuana plans are available in 33 states, including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. If you live in any of these places and are looking to make medical marijuana part of your health care, you will have to work closely with your physician to apply for an identification card. Here's how to get a medical marijuana card from your doctor. So, how do i get a prescription for medical marijuana?
You can start the process by looking for a physician who specifically serves the states where medical marijuana is legal. Some doctors serve several states, so it may be easier to find a physician who does. Once you've found a doctor, keep in mind that many states have their own individual requirements when it comes to qualifying conditions. Be sure you meet all of the requirements for your state and keep your doctor informed of any changes to your medical history.
Next, you can sign up to become a caregiver. A caregiver can legally cultivate and use cannabis for qualified medical marijuana patients. It takes a few months before you can become certified, but if you've got a serious health condition, it may be worth the wait. When you sign up to be a caregiver, you'll need to complete a background check and take a written exam. To protect yourself, complete the application from the dispensary before you go in to register.
There are two main types of Marijuana Dispensaries: licensed medicinal marijuana clinics and retail stores that sell medical marijuana. Both should abide by the same rules, so finding the right dispensary means finding a right business. A licensed clinic has been reviewed and certified by the MMJ. Each clinic has been evaluated based on state and local regulations and policies. The staff at each facility is screened by the dispensary before they are hired.
If you are a caregiver, it is important that you meet all of the state requirements for certification. You must be at least 21 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of the state that you're certifying to work as a caregiver. Some states have specific requirements for caregiver licensees, including being a resident of the state for at least three years, being of sound mind, and having a bedside manner and respect for the law. Some states even require that you register with the Marijuana Help Registry, which makes it easier for employers or landlords to verify that your patient is qualified to be a caregiver. Your registry card shows the number of medical marijuana patients that you've overseen, the amount of cannabis that you're permitted to give out or sell, and other information that might be helpful to potential employers or landlords.
Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers need a way to get a doctor's opinion on the application process. Most facilities will have forms for patients to complete, and many doctors' offices will have forms available as well. All of the forms for a doctor's review should be completed and signed by the patient and his or her primary physician. In some facilities, a doctor's office will provide a sample application form and doctor's opinion in addition to the application process itself.
The final step to get an actual card is signing up to get your medical card from the Marijuana Help Registry. This not only verifies that you are a registered patient with a caregiver but also signifies that you have gone through the entire application process. These cards are usually given out at three different facilities across the United States, so if you're planning on using marijuana on a regular basis, you'll want to ensure that you can get a card at each of those locations. You can order your card online, pay it online, or call to get it mailed right to your home.
Even though your primary care physician may not give you the prescription to obtain your card, he or she may refer you to a facility that will help you. If your primary care physician or dentist does not recommend a facility to you, he or she may be able to tell you who to contact to make sure that you get the treatment that you qualify for. If all else fails, you may find that your local hospital has a patient's assistance program that can help you expedite the process. Once you qualify for your medical cannabis card, you will be able to enjoy the peace and relief that medical cannabis provides. Regardless of where you go, remember that this is a legal, prescribed medication, so you'll need to follow all of the guidelines put forth by your doctor.
